The parliamentary majority decided to withdraw the draft law “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence,” according to a joint statement issued by the political council of the ruling Georgian Dream, People’s Power and the parliamentary majority, Georgian Public TV reports.
According to the statement, consultations on the ongoing political processes took place between the GD political council, People’s Power, and members of the parliamentary majority.
“The draft law has caused differences of opinion in society. A portion of the public was misled by the machine of lies. The draft law was given the false label of “Russian law,” and its adoption in the first reading was interpreted by some as a deviation from the European course,” the statement reads.
“We must exercise extreme caution regarding our country’s peace and economic development, as well as Georgia’s progress toward European integration. As a result, the energy of each of our fellow citizens must be directed toward development rather than confrontation.
Given all of the foregoing, we have decided to withdraw the bill unconditionally,” the statement continues.
Parliamentary majority say that once the emotional backdrop fades they will better explain to the public what the bill was for and why it was vital to have transparency of foreign interference.
“Georgia will maintain peace and stability while progressing towards Europe with dignity, as the Georgian people have chosen,” the statement adds.
“No to the Russian law” rally kicked off on Tuesday after the Georgian Parliament passed the so-called Foreign Agents bill in the first reading. To disperse the protesters, the police used tear gas and water cannon against them.
